How Much does an Accountant Charge for a Tax return
How Much does an Accountant Charge for a Tax return? Much of the population in the UK as individuals or small business owners chooses to hire an accountant to aid in the accurate filing of tax returns, maximising deductions, and penalties avoided, for an additional fee, which is flexible based on different variables.
Worried about how much it will cost to get your tax return done? You’re not alone.
In the UK, over 12 million people are required to complete a Self Assessment tax return every year. Many find the process confusing, time-consuming, or risky without professional help.
So, how much does an accountant charge for a tax return in the UK? Let’s uncover the facts, figures, and expert advice you need.
Self-Assessment Tax Returns (Individuals & Sole Traders)
| Type of Taxpayer | Average Cost (Basic Return) | Average Cost (Complex Return) |
| Simple Tax Return (Employed with no extra income) | £150 – £300 | N/A |
| Self-Employed (Sole Trader with basic expenses) | £250 – £500 | £500 – £1,000+ |
| Landlords (Rental Income) | £300 – £600 | £800 – £1,500+ |
| Freelancers/Contractors (Multiple income streams) | £400 – £800 | £1,000 – £2,000+ |
| High Net Worth Individuals (Investments, overseas income, etc.) | £1,000+ | £2,000 – £5,000+ |
Limited Company Tax Returns
| Service | Average Cost (Micro/Small Business) | Average Cost (Medium/Large Business) |
| Corporation Tax Return Only | £300 – £800 | £1,000 – £3,000+ |
| Full Accounts + Tax Return | £800 – £2,500 | £3,000 – £10,000+ |
Partnership Tax Returns
| Service | Average Cost (2 Partners) | Average Cost (5+ Partners) |
| Partnership Return (SA800) | £400 – £800 | £1,000 – £3,000+ |
| Individual Partner Returns (Per Person) | £150 – £400 | £200 – £600+ |
UK Accountant Price Guide (2025 Estimates)
| Tax Return Type | Estimated Fee Range |
| Simple tax return (PAYE income) | £150 – £200 |
| Sole trader (self-employed) | £200 – £300 |
| Limited company director | £250 – £400 |
| Landlord (1–2 properties) | £250 – £350 |
| Complex return (multiple incomes) | £350 – £600+ |
These figures are based on surveys and data from firms like TaxAssist, ICAEW, and online accountants like Crunch.
VAT Returns
| Frequency | Average Cost (Per Return) |
| Quarterly VAT Returns | £100 – £300 |
| Monthly VAT Returns | £80 – £250 |
| Annual VAT Return | £200 – £500 |
What’s Included in the Fee?
A good accountant won’t just file your return—they’ll offer guidance too.
Most tax return fees include:
- Collecting your income and expenses
- Preparing the Self Assessment
- Filing with HMRC
- Advice on allowable expenses
- Responding to HMRC queries